Birmingham City Council is urging residents to unite against hate crime as the city prepares to observe Hate Crime Awareness Week, running from 10 to 17 October. In collaboration with partners, including West Midlands Police and various community organisations, the council's community cohesion team will bring the campaign directly into neighbourhoods via a dedicated awareness roadshow and engagement programme.
The initiative aims to boost awareness of hate crime, encourage victims and witnesses to report incidents, and publicise the support available to those affected. A specially branded digivan will tour the city, offering information, directing residents to support services, and fostering discussions on the impact of hate crime on individuals, families, and communities. The campaign's core message is clear: Stop Hate Crime. Report It.
Research indicates that hate crime is frequently underreported, with many individuals uncertain about what constitutes a hate crime, how to report it, or the support systems in place. This campaign seeks to overcome these barriers by providing accessible information within local communities and empowering residents to contribute to creating safer neighbourhoods.
Councillor Jane Baston, Cabinet Member for Equalities, Communities and Social Justice, stated: "Birmingham is proud to be one of the most diverse cities in Europe, and our diversity is one of our greatest strengths. Hate crime has no place in our city and no place in our communities. Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected, regardless of their race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity. Through Hate Crime Awareness Week, we want to help people understand what hate crime is, how to report it and where to access support. We know that many incidents go unreported. Every report helps build a clearer picture of what is happening in our communities, helps support victims and enables partners to take action. I would encourage anyone who experiences or witnesses hate crime to come and speak to us during the week, find out more and help us make Birmingham a city where hate has no place."
The roadshow commences with a launch event outside the Council House on Friday 9 October, from 3pm to 5pm, uniting community safety partners and elected members to inaugurate the campaign. The digivan will subsequently visit various locations across Birmingham throughout the week.
Scheduled visits include: Saturday 10 October at New Street Station (8pm-9pm) and Birmingham city centre (opposite Missing Bar & Club, B5 6NU, 9pm-10pm), and near Heidi’s on Broad Street (12midnight). Sunday 11 October will see visits to Handsworth Library, Soho Road, B21 9DP (1pm-2pm), and St Paul's Square/Jewellery Quarter, B3 1QZ (2pm-3pm).
Further stops on Tuesday 13 October include Queen Alexandra College, Harborne, B17 9TG (10am-11am), the University of Birmingham (1pm-2pm), and Snow Hill station, opposite Tesco Express (3pm-4pm). On Wednesday 14 October, the digivan will be at Tays Corner, Bristol Road South, Northfield, B31 2NN (10:30am-11:30am), Longbridge Retail Park, B31 2UQ (outside M&S, 1pm-2pm), and Weoley Castle Square, B29 5P2 (3:30pm-4:30pm).
On Thursday 15 October, visits are planned for Erdington High Street and surrounding areas (12:30pm), and Kings Heath Village Square and surrounding areas (3pm-4pm). The week concludes with stops on Friday 16 October at St Andrew's Retail Park, B10 0XA (Morrisons’s car park, 12pm-1pm), and Lidl, Moseley Road, B12 9BS (2:30pm-3:30pm). On Saturday 17 October, the digivan will be at Birmingham Hippodrome, B5 4TB (12:00pm), and the Birmingham city centre High Street, outside Waterstones (5pm onwards).
Residents will have the opportunity to engage directly with representatives from the council and partner organisations, gain insights into recognising hate crime, understand reporting mechanisms, and access information on available support services. For further details on Hate Crime Awareness Week, visit the council's website or follow their social media channels.
